Chronic Disease Self-management is a six week course.The teaching process makes this program effective. Classes are highly participatory. Mutual support and success builds participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health and maintain active and fulfilling lives.Participants make weekly action plans, share experiences, and help each other solve problems they encounter in creating and carrying out their self-management program. Physicians and other health professionals both at Stanford and in the community have reviewed all materials in the workshop.Subjects covered are:•Techniques to deal with problems such as frustration, fatigue, pain and isolation.• Appropriate exercise for maintaining and improving strength, flexibility, and endurance• Appropriate use of medications• Communicating effectively with family, friends, and health professionals• Nutrition• Decision making• How to evaluate new treatmentsThe class meets once a week for two hours for a total of six weeks.